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09/04/2003 Archived Entry: "ID for Teens"

DEBRA HERE. So my son brought home an application from school yesterday. It's for a "Pre-Driver's License" from Ident-a-Kid Services of America.

From their website:
IDENT-A-KID Services of America has developed an Identification Program specifically for Middle, Junior and High School age students. It is recommended that parents purchase a card for both themselves and the student. The student may carry the card as personal identification prior to the issuance of a driver's license.

Interesting. They provide an "identity card" until you get your driver's license. What does one have to do with the other? Nothing, ostensibly. Except that kids are being trained to view the driver's license as their "real" identity card. Not a certification of driving ability, nor merely one of many forms of identification.

(Even the name is weird: "Pre-Driver's License". Does it certify that you're a Pre-Driver? Can you get one if you don't plan to drive?)

It gets better. The "Pre-Driver's License" includes a full color photograph, physical description (ht/wt/hair/eyes), and "Right Thumbprint on Back!" all under a permanent heat-sealed laminate.

Whee.

My inner outlaw, however, says that this might be a good opportunity for forward-thinking, liberty-oriented young teens. Get a few official-looking ID cards in different names, doctor up a few birth or baptismal certificates, and when you turn 16 (or 18), get driver's licenses in two or three states under different names. Toss in a savings account or secured credit card and voila! Future alternate identities, pre-packaged and ready to go.

Posted by Debra @ 11:48 AM CST
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